Heloise: How to make barbecue sauce from ketchup and soy sauce

Dear Heloise: I always wet a paper coffee filter before inserting it in the coffee maker. This way, it adheres to the sides of the filter chamber and does not fold over once the coffee has started percolating or dripping. It prevents the coffee grinds from floating down into the coffeepot. — Susan B., Edison, N.J.

A very good hint that prevents one of those little annoying “things” and can start the day off right.

Dear Readers: Many of us have a hodgepodge of fast-food and takeout condiment packets. In a college dorm or traveling on the road, these packets can be essential in making a few extra staples:

■ Ketchup + soy sauce = barbecue sauce

■ Soy sauce + sugar packets = teriyaki sauce

■ Crushed red pepper + soy sauce = hoisin sauce

■ Ketchup + crushed red pepper = cocktail sauce

■ Mayonnaise + relish = tartar sauce

Enjoy the taste of convenience turned home-style! — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Why not encourage the next generation of cooks by stating in recipes the kind of onion and measurable quantity? There are so many sizes and varieties of onions: green, white, yellow, etc., and the right amount and taste can make or break a recipe. “Chop one onion” doesn’t cut it. If ingredients are too vague on a new recipe, only experienced cooks can figure it out. — Joan P., via email

You do have a valid point. Many times, the size or kind of onion may not make a difference (if it’s a pot of chili or soup, for example), but with some recipes, it might. Thanks for the input. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: To keep brown sugar soft, I use two large marshmallows in a small bowl of about 3 cups of brown sugar that I keep handy on my kitchen counter. Just drop the marshmallows in and keep the bowl covered tightly. No need to stir the sugar. — Lana D. in North Carolina

Dear Heloise: A hint from long ago that I use with every new loaf of bread: After removing a slice or two, twist the end of the bag and fold down the plastic wrapper back over the loaf. — Jean N., Williamsport, Md.

HELOISEis a syndicated columnist with King Features Syndicate, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio 78279-5000, fax 210-HELOISE.